27.4.09

Every bike shop has a ride. Every ride has it nuances and niche. For several years now a Monday Night ride has slowly morphed into a 'Recovery' ride.Its original intent was just that - recovery. A chance for the local racers to get out and have a social easy spin after a tough weekend of racing. Now the attached tag of recovery is more of a twisted joke because it is anything but.

An honest assesment of the ride would read like this: no one gets left behind, unless they choose to be; the pace is largely leisurely but there are some designated sprints (probably 8, maybe more, rarely less); after a sprint, regroup and continue on.

It seems to achieve a good balance. People looking for some intensity are satisfied and newbies get the chance to work on pack skills and take a crack at some hard efforts when they want. Plus, there is a Most Aggressive Rider jersey awarded at the end and its usually celebrated with a few wheat sodas. Remember, this ride has an open invitation to anyone interested.

However, there are some exceptions to the recovery ride and tonight was one such example. This night fell into the small percentile of ruthless/angry riding. But this honestly doesn't happen often, or maybe the ride is morphing again?

i for one thoroughly enjoyed the shit-kicking handed out by the MaxEdge a-holes...noone gets left behind, unless you choose, and you will know if you've chosen to be left behind...seems to me to be good motivation to keep up!!!thanks gentlemen